Structured Yoga and Meditation Practices from the Indian Knowledge System: Effects on Mental Well-being of Trainee Teachers

A quasi-experimental study in a Delhi college tested whether a six-week yoga program improved mental well-being in pre-service teachers. The experimental group of 45 participants showed significantly higher mental well-being scores on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale compared to a control group of 49 peers who did not receive the intervention. The authors argue that structured yoga programs can enhance emotional health in future educators and advocate integrating Indian Knowledge System practices like yoga and meditation into teacher education curricula to promote resilience and holistic well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) constitutes one of the most enduring and comprehensive traditions of learning, encompassing disciplines such as mathematics, medicine, philosophy, arts, and spirituality. Unlike contemporary compartmentalized frameworks, IKS emphasizes the interdependence of knowledge domains and their role in fostering individual and collective well-being. Central to this system are practices such as yoga and meditation, which contribute to physical health, mental clarity, and self-awareness. In recent years, efforts have been made to integrate IKS with modern education, aiming to create holistic pedagogical models that address present-day challenges while preserving the depth of traditional wisdom. The present study investigated the impact of IKS-based practices on the mental health of pupil teachers through an action research approach in a Delhi college. Employing a quasi-experimental design, 45 pre-service teachers participated in a structured six-week yoga program (experimental group), while 49 peers formed the control group without intervention. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), a validated instrument for assessing psychological well-being, was administered at two points: prior to the intervention and after the completion of the program.Results indicated that participants in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher levels of mental well-being compared to those in the control group. These findings suggest that structured yoga programs can serve as effective interventions for enhancing the emotional health of future educators. The study underscores the relevance of IKS practices such as yoga and meditation in contemporary teacher education and advocates their integration into curricular activities to promote resilience and holistic well-being among pre-service teachers.